Moldable Wood

BACKGROUND

Advances in wood-plastic-composites (WPC) have permitted the utilization of wood in additional applications such as automotive components, household electronics, and environmentally resistant building products. By combining the mechanical strength of wood with the durability and resistance of plastics, WPC has several distinct characteristics that make it environmentally friendly while requiring little maintenance. Strides in this field have been made in its moldability, maintenance, and resistance. However, there is still a need for WPC to display strength, stiffness, and rigidity qualities that are more relatable to solid wood.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

Novel WPC has been developed at OSU that addresses the shortcomings in existing WPC. By utilizing thermosets instead of thermoplastics, a moldable wood-thermoset polymer composite has been created. The invention dramatically improves wood-thermoset cross linking with the capability of molding and achieving superior mechanical stiffness and strength compared to current WPC.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• Replacing wood materials (e.g., housing, railing, benches)
• Creating structures that can handle larger physical loads
• Building abstract structure designs (wood art)

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• Superior mechanical strength to existing WPCs
• Provides resistance against environment (e.g., moisture, terminates, fungi)
• Improves stiffness and rigidity

STATE OF DEVELOPMENT

Proof of concept has been achieved.